BLACKWOOD Brownies were left devastated after vandals destroyed their hall.

The hall, on Pentwyn Road, was left in ruins after a group of vandals broke in destroying doors and windows and stealing valuable items including camping equipment as well as copper pipes.

Brownie leaders found out about the damage on August 19 and contacted police.

The hall, used three nights a week by 40 to 50 young people in Brownies, Rainbows and Guides, may not reopen in time for the new term as a result of the vandalism.

Brownie commissioner, Angela Williams, 57, of Pontllanfraith, and Brown Owl, Wendy Meredith, were left devastated by the damage.

Mrs Williams said: “It is absolutely wrecked.

“We have spent so much time fundraising for the Brownies and now the hall is a mess.

“We wont be able to salvage anything, so we need to find a new venue.”

Mrs Meredith’s husband, Paul said: “The vandals have ripped up the boards off the walls. They have splashed paint all over and ripped the fire doors off the back of the building.

“They have also taken the grills off the windows and smashed them in.

“Camping equipment and copper piping have been stolen.

“So the hall now needs to be boarded up.”

A Gwent police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to the scene at 3.10pm on August 19 after a report that Blackwood brownie hall had been broken in to some time the previous day.

“Windows and doors had been damaged as well as the carpet and camping items had been stolen.

“Anyone with information is asked to call the Gwent police quoting the log number 341 on August 19 on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”